Another reason to consider better date Morgan Dollars . . . .

The combination of beauty and scarcity drives much of the Morgan Dollar market. It's easy to understand why the beautiful Morgan Dollar is the #1 collectible U.S. coin. What is more lovely than an example in Gem BU?

In recent months, I'm seeing collectors and others diversifying into better date Morgans as one way to add to bullion positions. Going forward, there could be a point where bullion supplies are limited and better date Morgans become big players.

We saw this occur when gold was initially moving towards $1000 per ounce. At one point gold and silver bullion were almost unavailable. At the height of that period wholesalers who would accept orders were quoting up to 3 months for delivery. Customers unwilling to risk long waits quickly made alternate choices to achieve bullion goals.

Morgan issues listed below seem the best candidates for a numismatic + bullion play, based on availability, desirability and current price levels. For best results, these coins should be certified by NGC or PCGS.

1878 7F. Recommend MS-63, MS-64 or MS-65. First year of issue, this is moderately scarce.

1878-CC. Recommend MS-64. This is the first Morgan "CC" issue.

1879. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. At today's prices, this is a good deal in MS-64.

1879-O. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. This issue is always popular as the first "O" mint of the Morgan design.

1879-S Rev. 78. Recommend MS-63, MS-64 or MS-65. This is my #1 pick because for many years this issue has been seriously undervalued. A "sleeper" date, often overlooked.

1880. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. A very good value in both grades.

1880-CC Rev. 78. Recommend MS-64. This is a scarce "CC" issue.

1880-CC. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. A moderately scarce issue.

1881. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. Excellent deal in both grades.

1881-CC. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. Moderate scarce issue.

1882-CC. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. This issue is one of the 3 least expensive "CC" issues. Each is very well made, making them beautiful examples for a collection.

1883-CC. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. This issue is one of the 3 least expensive "CC" issues. Each is very well made, making them beautiful examples for a collection.

1884-CC. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. This issue is one of the 3 least expensive "CC" issues. Each is very well made, making them beautiful examples for a collection.

1885-CC. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. Another beautiful issue with moderate scarcity.

1886-S. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. One of my personal favorites for an "S" issue. Much scarcer than 1885-S to 1991-S issues.

1889-O. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. Very tough to find eye appeal 9 or 10, particularly in MS-63.

1890. Recommend MS-64. Issue is simply undervalued.

1890-CC. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. One of my favorite "CC" dates and a really good value in MS-63.

1890-O. Recommend MS-64. OK deal in MS-64. Choose a coin with good strike.

1890-S. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. Great deal in MS-65.

1891. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. Demand for this coin remains strong because it's often chosen for date sets.

1891-CC. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. Decent deal in MS-63.

1891-S. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. A great big bargain in either grade.

1892. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. This issue also sees major date set demand.

1893. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. This issue also sees major date set demand.

1894-S. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. This issue also sees major date set demand.

1897-S. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. A great bargain.

1898-S. Recommend MS-63, MS-64 or MS-65. Always a popular issue.

1899-S. Recommend MS-63 to MS-64. A hard-to-get issue.

1900-S. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. Easiest of the "S" mints from 1898-S to 1900-S.

1901-S. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. Very scarce.

1902. Recommend MS-64 or MS-65. Issue is a huge bargain.

1902-S. Recommend MS-63 or MS-64. Issue has excellent potential.

1903-O. Recommend MS-65 or MS-66. This is a hoard coin. I would estimate there are only 15,000 pieces available in BU.